United Technologies (UTX) said Tuesday its profit soared in the first quarter amid higher sales in its defense and aerospace businesses, but the company missed Wall Street’s estimates.

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The maker of Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Otis elevators reported a profit of $1.27 billion, or $1.39 a share, well above the $330 million, or 36 cents a share, in the year-ago period that was weighed down by discontinued operations.

United Technologies has seen its profits climb recently, aided by its $16.5 billion acquisition of aircraft-component maker Goodrich Corp. UTC Aerospace Systems, the company’s new unit comprised of Goodrich businesses and Hamilton Sundstrand, saw its revenue surge to $3.26 billion from $1.24 billion.

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United Technologies also backed its full-year outlook, calling for per-share earnings of $5.85 to $6.15 and sales of $64 billion to $65 billion. The company said its strong cash position will allow it to pay down $2 billion of debt this year.

“Macroeconomic indicators coupled with order improvement in our commercial businesses point towards a gradual resumption of organic growth during the course of the year,” Chief Executive Louis Chenevert said in a statement, adding that the company remains focused on cost reduction.

Shares of United Technologies were down 63 cents to $93 in pre-market trading.